Peterborough raises flag to mark Merchant Navy Day

People are invited to attend a flag-raising ceremony in Peterborough city centre this weekend to mark Merchant Navy Day.

The Red Ensign, the Merchant Navy’s official flag, will fly throughout the UK on Saturday 3 September at 10am. At the same time a service will be held at the War Memorial in Bridge Street, Peterborough.

Merchant Navy Day was first introduced on 3 September 2015 and recognises the dedication of the UK’s serving merchant seafarers and remembers the sacrifice of those brave men and women who kept supply lines open during the First and Second World Wars.

In 2015 more than 200 local flag-hoisting ceremonies were organised around the country which involved Merchant Navy veterans, navel cadets and more.

Mayor of Peterborough, councillor David Sanders, said: “It is really important that we recognise the contribution of the men and women who served in The British Merchant Navy. The annual flag-raising ceremony is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to current and retired seafarers. I hope that residents take the time to attend the ceremony in the city centre on Saturday."

The annual event is organised by Seafarers UK, the charity that helps people in the community by providing vital support to Seafarers and their families.